St Barbara finds better economics, higher output at same capital cost for 15-Mile - Engineering News

AI desk brief

St Barbara’s updated PFS for the 15-Mile Processing Hub lifts reserves to 1.4Moz, up 17% from the prior study, and raises project NPV 21% to A$1.7bn at base-case prices, or A$2.7bn at spot, with IRR at 81.6% and 121% respectively. Life of mine extends to 13 years from about 11, while estimated total gold output rises by 203,000oz to 1.4Moz, averaging 106,000oz/yr.

Initial capex is unchanged at C$289m/A$315m, and management says the project has been de-risked by refined design, low strip ratios, strong recoveries and shared infrastructure. The study implies an AISC profile of $1,098/oz over the mine life; feasibility is due Q3 next year with FID targeted by end-June 2027.